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Kiwi Glenn Moore has also been linked with the job, while former England coach Andy Robinson and Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards is also thought to be in the running with interviews taking place this week.

Mallinder, who led Saints to the Premiership in 2014, was reported to be close to accepting the head coach’s job at Cardiff Blues but withdrew from the race.

Former Ulster coach Allen Clarke could be offered the Ospreys job on a full-time basis after overseeing a change in fortunes since taking temporary charge in January.